Bwindi Orphans

‘Bwindi Orphans Development Centre’ (BODEC) supports orphaned and vulnerable children in Buhoma village and the surrounding area.

Like the rest of Uganda and neighbouring countries the area has been badly affected by HIV/AIDS leaving many children orphaned; others have been left with no one to care for them due to other illnesses and poverty. Many local children (some of them born HIV positive) have lost one or both parents.

Local people formed ‘Bwindi Orphans Group’, now 'Bwindi Orphans Development Center' (BODEC) in 1998 and have registered it as a Community Based Organisation with their local government. Mr Ignatius Byamugisha, the orphanage director, is currently arranging care and education for over 160 local children in the village, 25 with HIV and AIDs. They have lots of ideas to improve health and education (currently children walk 30km to attend secondary school-60km per day) and for sustainable projects to help the local community, with comparatively little capital needed. The orphanage committee has also set up a sponsorship scheme and several tourists have sponsored a child during their stay, but communication difficulties often mean that funding often ends after the first year. As well as this, bank transfer fees often add a large amount to sponsorship costs. We hope to help with both of these issues.

The orphanage does amazing work, ensuring that the orphans and vulnerable children around the community are cared for, educated and taught life skills. They have many inspiring ideas for educational and income-generating projects that will improve conditions for the whole community. The orphanage teaches traditional dance and earns income by displays for tourists – the children love it, the culture is passed on and the tourists are entertained, sometimes getting more involved by sponsoring a child and other assistance. There are many dedicated, resourceful and motivated people in Bwindi who, with some practical and financial support will be able to become a self sufficient community, ensuring everyone has enough food, water and shelter.
Find out more about Bwindi Orphans Development Centre